COVID-19 Cases In India: Kerala Records The Highest Number Of Active Patients; Noida Reports Its First Case In Months

Karnataka is on alert as Kerala has seen a jump in COVID-19 cases in the past couple of weeks. Scientists have found another variant called JN. 1, which is reportedly responsible for the fresh cases. Nearby states and cities are on alert and preparing themselves in case they witness a rise in the cases of people affected by the virus.

On December 17, 2023, India recorded a total of 335 fresh cases of COVID-19 taking the tally of active cases to 1,701, according to a report by the Union Health Ministry. Around five deaths, four in Kerala and one in Uttar Pradesh were reported due to the JN.1 variant.

India Recorded 640 Cases On December 22, 2023; Noida Reports Its First Case In Months

As of Friday, December 22, 2023, the total tally of active COVID-19 cases in India has reached new 3000 as 640 fresh cases have been recorded in the last 24 hours. Kerala is leading when it comes to number of active cases, and Noida, Uttar Pradesh, has reported its first positive patient in months.

India Reported 335 Fresh COVID-19 Cases, 5 Deaths In 24 Hours

On December 18, 2023, India recorded 335 fresh cases of COVID-19 and at least five people have died in the last 24 hours. The officials are keeping close watch on the situation, and Karnataka has made it mandatory for senior citizens to wear masks as a precautionary measure. If you think you or your loved one is showing influenza-like symptoms, you should immediately contact your healthcare expert.

Karnataka Initiated Precautionary Measures

Dinesh Gundu Rao, health minister of Karnataka, said in a press conference that directions have been issued to purchase testing kits, including Rapid Antigen Test, RT-PCR tests, and VTM (Viral Transport Medium).

The officials in Karnataka have also directed hospitals to conduct mock drills and check the availability of oxygen cylinders, ICU beds, and the supply of medicines, which in the past have been in short supply when cases spiked throughout the country in 2020.

He was quoted saying, “I have told the officials to be prepared. Though the situation is not alarming, and we should not think in that manner, we should be prepared in case the situation recurs. In the event of any shortcoming, it should be rectified now itself.”

Rising Cases Of COVID-19 In Kerala

Kerala reportedly had 1,324 active cases of COVID-19 (Self-Care During COVID-19) on Sunday, December 17, 2023. Officials have said that the high rate of testing in the state has helped them detect these many numbers of patients suffering from the symptoms of the virus.

Earlier this month, a sample of JN.1 was found in a 79-year-old woman who came to the doctor with a complaint of influenza-like symptoms. She has reportedly recovered, but this is the same variant that was found among Indians who were screened at the Singapore airport a few months ago.

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JN.1 Variant Of COVID-19

October 2023 reports say that the only difference between BA.2.86 and JN.1 is a spike in the protein. While speaking to ANI, Rajeev Jayadevan, the National Indian Medical Association Covid Task Force's co-chairman, said that the newest variant has the capacity to evade immunity and spread at a faster rate than the older variants.

He added, “JN.1 is a severely immune-evasive and fast-spreading variant, markedly different from XBB and all other prior versions of this virus. This enables it to infect people who had previous Covid infections and also people who were vaccinated."

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Reportedly, the symptoms of this JN.1 variant include,

• Coughing
• Mild fever
• Sore throat
• Pain on the face
• Runny nose
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Headache
• Discomfort in the nasal passage

Much like before, it is advised by officials to practise social distancing, wear masks in public places, and wash or sanitise hands frequently. Though the variant is not considered a cause for concern, we must remain prepared and follow preventive measures to ensure the safety of ourselves and the people around us.